Concrete Dams
Concrete technology revolutionized dam construction in the 20th century. Dams were significantly larger and more efficient. Although concrete dams were being constructed in the early 1900s, the bulk of dam construction took place after the 1927 flood. Many old timber and stone dams were washed away in the flood waters and replaced with newer, concrete dams, and many dams were constructed as a precaution against future rising water. During the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Army Corps of Engineers undertook these large-scale dam building projects.
The image below depicts the construction of a 1910s concrete dam.
1910s Concrete Dam: Image courtesy of the University of Vermont Landscape Change Program
Below are several examples of 1930s dam projects. Notice their increased size and improved engineering.
1930s Concrete Dam: Image courtesy of the University of Vermont Landscape Change Program and the Vermont State Archives
1930s Concrete Dam: Image courtesy of the University of Vermont Landscape Change Program and Highland Lodge
1930s Concrete Dam: Image courtesy of the University of Vermont Landscape Change Program and the Vermont State Archives
